Turkish newspaper honours Eto'o

Updated: 25 February 2007 10:38 IST

Reported by Indo-Asian News Service

Read Time: 1 mins

Istanbul:

Turkish newspaper Zaman honoured FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o with a special Player of the Year award on Monday.
The award came two days after the Cameroon international nearly walked off the field following a barrage of racial taunts during a Spanish league game at Zaragoza.
Turkish wrestler Hamza Yerlikaya was given Zaman's Sportsman of the Year award during the ceremony.
Alex de Souza of Fenerbahce, Fatih Tekke of Trabzonspor and Nuri Sahin of Germany's Borussia Dortmund also were given player of the year awards.
Eto'o, a three-time African Player of the Year, refused to discuss the weekend's events which rekindled a debate over racism in soccer.
On Saturday Eto'o began walking off the field in the 77th minute at Zaragoza, but was persuaded to remain by teammates, coaches and referees.
Eto'o is one of several black players who have been taunted by crowds in Europe, sparking calls for harsh sanctions against the clubs whose fans engage in the acts. (AP)